In 1741, after Handel introduced his majestic Messiah, demand was so great that in order to increase seating gentlemen were asked to leave their swords at home and women were asked to not wear hoops.
When England’s King George II first heard the Hallelujah Chorus he rose to his feet in awe, and the entire audience followed.
From that day on, it’s been tradition to stand during the final movement of the Messiah.
George Frideric Handel was inspired to compose the entire Messiah in just twenty-three days.
